Board of Education - July 24, 2025

001We will be opening the meeting with a brief moment of silence or prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag. No one is required to participate or be in present for any of these and being in this portion of the meeting is completely voluntary. >> Board member Miss Rosales, I believe you have special guests for us tonight. Thank you, Madam Chair. Tonight we have the pleasure and honor to have the Blackman Youth Football and Cheering Organization to come and lead the the pledge. They've been in our the Blackman community for many years now supporting our young boys and girls with football programs. So I would like to welcome Nate to the podium to lead us to the with the pledge. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for having me. I pledge allegiance

002to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Will you bow your heads with me and join me in a prayer? Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for giving us one more chance to be together. And at this present moment, we are getting ready to make decisions. I pray Lord that you give us all each board member that is here to make decisions. I pray that you give us wisdom and discernment and that we also be reminded of why we were appointed by you to be in these positions. Lord, we thank you for all that you do, you're doing, you're about to do. Thank you for protecting every single one of us.

003I pray that when we leave here, I pray that you give us safe and tribal mercies and that we can come back again and do this all over again. Thank you, Lord, for all that you do in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Next up, we have the approval of the agenda. You want to take just a second and take look over the agenda and then I'll entertain a motion. Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Tidwell. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes. Next, we have the uh approval of the consent agenda. And I do want to mention, as I did uh Tuesday, you will see a name there that looks kind of familiar. It is my son, Michael Maxwell, who has

004taken a position at Lever High School. But I wanted to uh be full disclosure and let you all know that. Madam chair. >> Yes. I too need to uh give full disclosure that in the on the consent agenda, breakthrough Tennessee is also mentioned in the facility use section uh and that we did request to utilize the Blackman High School for a specific event. >> Move to approve. >> Thank Oh, sorry. Okay, just a moment. Mr. >> We have one late breaking nepotism hire. Um, so Eagleville, we would like to add Tiffany Lamb for a cafeteria monitor position. U, Michael McLaren is her uncle and Jennifer Cooper is her cousin. They both teach, but there at the school, but there is no supervisor >> and that name is Tiffany Lamb. >> Okay, Mr. Vaughn, you had

005a motion to approve. >> Second. Thank you, Mr. Rosales. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. We have no guest speaker tonight. And next up is public comment. And we have nine speakers this evening. And when I say your name, I ask you to come forward and uh they'll explain how it works. First up, we have Chelsea Bennett. Yes. Good evening. As a Rutherford County native and a 2011 graduate of Riverdale High School, I'm honored to stand before you today. After receiving my high school diploma, I attended the University of Tennessee, where I studied English and secondary education. Upon returning home, I taught middle school literacy in Nashville Charter School, serving students with similar demographics and cultural upbringings as many of my peers during my years at the original Central Middle

006School before it was Central Magnet here in Murphy'sboro. During my time in Nashville schools, I had the privilege of being guided by Jeremy Sager, executive director of Nova Smart Academy. once as a teacher and he my instructional coach and assistant principal and a second time when I served as instructional coach in AP and he as my principal. During both times under his leadership, I witnessed test scores skyrocket in two different school districts in two parts of the city achieving TV level five reward school status. One reason for this reward school achievement is the high number of students who were able to transition out of receiving e services due to their WEDA scores. understand that investing in charter schools here in Rutherford County is a newer venture, but it's a promising one. The vision behind Nova

007Smart Academy School innovations, particularly the structured English immersion program, isn't merely an idea. It's a viable method that can be executed again if given the chance to put the right people in the right positions to serve our kids well. This county is my home, and it's the place that instilled my value system in education. And that all started with my elementary schooling at Kase and Lane Academy. At that time in the 90s, Kase and Lane was a new holistic K through8 PIDEA option that provided an alternative to what my parents who are also graduates of Riverdale High School were accustomed to. The school's focus didn't detract from what the county offered educationally. It added to it and made me more equipped to handle the rigor of my AP and honors classes and expansive social structure

008once I metriculated into county schools. It's the reason I stand here before you today. Novvice Smart Academy can be that same asset in preparation for incoming students of all backgrounds if given the chance by the county. Voting positively for NOVA supports the growing infrastructure in Rutherford and grants us a proper hand in serving our students versus relinquishing control to the state. Thus far, Novvice has shown up and served the community, and I believe that the right people are committed to seeing those kids through, just as each of you sitting on this board is. 30 years ago, my parents viewed my new elementary school as an alternative option and a prime educational opportunity for their children to be prepared for the world. In 2025, I ask that you take a chance on investing in the possibilities

009of the student and parent population that Novvice is already serving and will continue serving in 2026 and beyond. Thank you for your time. God bless. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Miss Nectaria Guy. I hope I pronounced that right. Hi. >> Okay. Could you please speak up? We're having a hard time hearing you. Thank you. >> All right. My name is Naria Guy and I'm honored to speak with you today in support of Nova Smart Academy, a proposed K through8 charter school that I believe can make a lasting impact on our community. As someone who has served as a registered behavior technician, I've had the privilege of working closely with children who have special needs. I've seen firsthand how powerful the right environment can be. One that not only provides access, but also tailor

010to the ways that children learn, communicate, and thrive. Unfortunately, I've also seen the gaps, places where children are misunderstood, overlooked, or underserved because the system wasn't built to meet them where they are. Nova Smart Academy stands out because it is rooted in a forward-thinking model. It's not just another school. It's a program built on the belief that every child deserves a personalized highquality education, especially those who are often left behind in traditional settings. This includes children with learning disabilities, children who need a different pace, and children who simply need more support and intention in how they're taught. I know the vision of Dr. Sager and his team is bold, but it's also personal. They are not just creating another school. They are creating another school choice option with access to a better future. Not just

011for one type of student, but for all students and for f for families like mine and for the students I've served as an RBT. And that means everything. When you support Nova Smart Academy, you're not just approving a school. You're opening a door to possibility, to innovation, and most importantly to access. I hope you all vote yes. Our kids deserve nothing less. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next we have Erica Roberts. Good evening board members. My name is Erica Roberts, the proposed board member and academics committee member of Nova Smart Academy. I bring 20 years of experience in elementary education, which includes being on founding teams of other brand new charter schools and working with diverse student populations. I've also led initiatives that close achievement gaps and elevate instructional quality in schools. I choose to

012serve because I believe in our mission college and career begin in kindergarten. Our vision also aligns closely with the Rutherford County School Strategic Plan, particularly its focus on early intervention and ensuring that every scholar thrives both academically and personally. I want to assure you that we have family's investment in the success of our school. At the June 14th Simney celebration, we added an additional 21 new families to our previously confirmed 19. Our focus has been intentional on community service and engagement. So that post authorization Nova Smart Academy isn't just another school option, but the desired school choice for students and families in our community. We will continue to build on that momentum. I want to respectfully address any notion that we are not prepared to serve our special education population. For example, our application is

013aligned with the latest ESL guidance in current terminology from the Department of Ed. Page 26 of the current ESL manual highlights both pullout and co-eing instruction models and reinforces that ESL services must be individualized and further states that ESL is considered a unique learning need and LEAs are required to provide the student um individualized services, interventions, scaffolds, accommodations and modifications that are written within an ILP. This approach ensures students are supported without being removed from rigorous academic content. Let me be clear, Dr. Ser cannot and will not lead this school alone. While dual roles are common in most new charter schools, we're planning ahead. In year zero, three assistant principles will be hired to support academics, culture, and operations. In year 1, we'll add three additional support staff already included in our budget. This structure

014ensures a strong sustainable start. We've seen this model succeed. Purpose Prep in Nashville, one of our models, still has its ED serving as principal, and they perform at the top 5% of schools across Tennessee. That consistency has been essential to their success. Similarly, Dr. Zagger's record, taking a school from level one to level five and earning a reward school status in just one year proves he's ready to lead with sustainable excellence. and we believe in our team, our community, and most of all the scholars we are committed to serve. Nova Smart Academy is ready to be a beacon of joy and opportunity in Rutherford County. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have Charles Frasier. >> Good evening, Madam Chair. Um, my name is Charles Frasier, attorney Charles Frasier. I serve as the proposed

015board chair for Nova Smart Academy. I'm here to strongly encourage uh your vote in favor of our application. I'll start with uh assurance that our team um our founding team has been responsive to the critical feedback provided by Dr. uh McCann's and the RCS review committee. We have taken that feedback seriously, made actionable and thoughtful adjustments to strengthen our plan. Please do not overlook uh that we remain committed to both transparency uh and improvement because we believe this work in this community deserve nothing less. Our school-based leadership team is designed to ensure strong oversight and shared responsibility during our launch phase. Dr. Seager will serve as the executive founding uh director and school principal in the early years to provide stable and consistent leadership. Do not disregard that we he will be supported by three

016full-time school leaders in the launch phase to oversee operation school culture and academics. Be mindful that this leadership team will be supported by an office manager, office secretary, school counselor, ensuring that we have the capacity to serve the proposed 192 founding students in our year 1 without overextending any one individual. A strong walk a a walkthrough of our short-term incubation facility confirmed that while targeted upgrades will be required, the core infrastructure is for to run a safe school uh a safe and functional school is already in place. This allows us to minimize pre-opening costs while still prioritizing student safety. It's critical to remember that we budgeted for a for storm shelter boxes in our startup facility. Our request for a three-year variance reflects our plan to build a fully integrated code compliant storm shelter at

017our long-term facility. Lastly, what we what has been identified as narrow margins are actually conservative planning. Isn't that what Tennessee is all about? We've intentionally inflated cost productions above current market rates to ensure more realistic expenditures. We did when we did not receive the new schools venture fund, we made immediate adjustments to include um uh delaying the start date for our executive record director, which aligns with um our approval timeline. Tonight, you can vote yes to relieve school overcrowding, expand opportunity, and show every child in Rutherford County that you believe in their potential. We will never waver in our commitment to this community. Our mission is clear. Our approach is authentic. Please, please give our charter application your full consideration and vote of support today. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Alejandra

018Beltran. >> Good evening, members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Alejandra Vdran. I'm here to support Rockship Charter School application. I live in Rutherford County uh now for over six years and currently residing in Smyrna. This is my fifth year traveling to South Nashville to teach kindergarten humanities at Rockship United Academy, which just got approved for another 10 years. We are more than a building of staff and students. Rockship schools build strong communities and we welcome you like family. At Rockship Ship, we believe that every child deserves a high-quality education regardless of their zip code. I know firsthand how important that is. I come from a working-class family, and even in a lowinccome area, I was able to receive a strong academic foundation for my academic journey. I

019am a proud first generation Latina college graduate. I earned my bachelor's degree in sociology from Cal State Northridge, all through Pell Grants based off my grade. While in college and working as a teacher's assistant, I witnessed the direct impact I could make in my students progress and realized the power I had behind teaching children in my own community. I am currently working on my master's degree and teacher certification while gaining valuable experience by teaching on a state periship has provided me with the path to building a strong academic foundation for my students and I would love to do the same for students in my own community. I love providing students with intentional tailored instruction to meet them where they are through the emphasis on data-driven small groupoup instruction. In the 24-25 school year, kindergarten reading

020and math, we more than doubled the number of students scoring above average on NWA math assessments. We've consistently received a TAS level four or five. And Rockship United has beat the state and district with multilingual learners exiting services in every grade. In addition to growing our students, we grow our community. I truly enjoy the relationships I get to build with families, especially the Spanish-sp speakaking parents who feel an immediate sense of relief when they realize they have someone to help them. They know their children feel seen, understood, and supported. If Rockish opens a school here in Rutherford, I would love to be a part of it. It would be extremely meaningful to be a part of an opening a school that reflects diversity in the area, not just amongst the students, but amongst the teachers

021and staff as well. Thank you again for this opportunity and I respectfully ask that you approve Rockship Ship's charter school application. We would love to have you aboard the rocket ship. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Dominique Smith. Good evening members of the board. My name is Dominique Smith and I live in Smyrna with my husband and our kids. Our twin girls will be starting kindergarten this year. The last time I stood before you, I spoke as a parent and as a principal. Today, I return in a new role as a head of schools for another district, overseeing both middle and elementary schools, and still as a deeply invested parent in Rutherford County. My daughters will be attending Stewart's Creek Elementary next month. A wonderful school and one of the reasons

022we chose our neighborhood. But if Rocket Ship Tennessee were approved to open a school in Rutherford County, it would absolutely be my top choice for their elementary education. I say that not just based on belief, but on experience. I was a founding teacher at a rocket ship school in California. It was the first place I felt deeply coached, supported, and challenged to grow. That experience shaped the educator and leader I am today. Rocket Chip's model is rooted in strong academics but also in community connection and joy. Teachers build real relationships with families. Students receive personalized support. Parents are true partners in the learning process and kids love the school. I still find myself doing morning dance moves from Rocket Ship with my daughters in the kitchen. Now, in my role overseeing schools, including working alongside

023Rocket Ship leaders, I've seen how seriously they take partnership. Whether it's with families, other school systems, or this very board, Rocket Ship shows up with transparency, humility, and a deep commitment to doing what's best for kids. I hope you've experienced that partnership firsthand throughout this process. As Rutherford County continues to grow, the need for strong community- centered options becomes even more urgent. Rocket Ship is not only ready to meet that need, they're eager to partner with you in doing so. Tonight, I respectfully ask that you vote to approve Rocket Ship Tennessee's application. I believe our children, our families, and our broader educational EOS ecosystem will be better for it. Thank you for your time and your service to our community. Thank you. Next we have Claudia Vasquez. I will be translating for Miss Vasquez. Good

024afternoon members of the board. My name is Claudia Vasquez and I'm a mother and of three and a proud resident of Leburn. I'm also a small business owner. I own a barber shop here in our community. I'm here because as a mother, my greatest dream is for my children to receive a highquality education, one that prepares them to be independent, responsible, and caring members of society. That's also the dream of many families who couldn't be here today. And I'm here on their behalf, too. Our [Music] country is, our county is growing quickly and with that growth comes new opportunities. [Music] collaborship is a school that values collaboration between families and teachers, encourages strong communication, and offers personalized learning so that each child can grow at their own pace and reach their full potential. I love

025living in Leverne. It's a peaceful, safe place with so much promise. That's why I'm excited of the idea of welcoming a new school like Rocket Ship to our community. A public school option that expands educational opportunities for all families. [Music] With deep respect, I kindly ask you to consider voting in favor of this application. With your support, we can build a brighter future for our children together. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Next we have Leia Cington. [Music] >> Good evening. My name is Leia Coington and I've been an educator for 16 years. I joined Rocket Ship Dream Community Prep in the Antioch area as a founding teacher when the school opened in 2022 and I now s serve as the assistant principal for humanities. I'm also part of the Rocket Ship's rising principal

026program, preparing to lead a school of my own in the near future. And nothing will make me more prder than founding a school right here in my own community. I own a home in Leverne. My daughter attends Leverne Middle School. and I know firsthand how much our community would benefit from a rocket ship elementary school. Rocket Ship is unlike any other school in Rutherford County. What first drew me to Rocket Ship was their commitment to parent power. As a parent, I've always believed in being actively involved in my daughter's education. And as an educator, I believe every parent should have the opportunity to do the same. At Rocket Ship, we invite our parents to be a part of their child's learning journey. We show families how they can support learning at home and we welcome

027them into our school community. This kind of partnership has a real impact on student achievement. Another thing I love is our approach to individualized learning. Our humanities block is 170 minutes long giving us time for rich targeted instruction. We run uh small groups every day and we meet students exactly where they are. Whether they are closing gaps or ready to accelerate, every child is supported to reach their full potential. And even though our classrooms are structured and focused, they're also full of joy. As a teacher, I love bringing joy into my classroom. Now, as a leader, I get to help our teachers do the same. Rocket Ship schools are uh designed to serve high needed highne students, including English language learners and students from lowincome backgrounds. That's why I believe Rocket Ship would be such

028a strong fit for Leverne and Smyrna. These communities are diverse and our model can provide families with these resources and support the children. uh need to succeed. We already see the demand because Rocket Ship Dream is so close to Weatherford County line. We regularly have families from this community reaching out to enroll. Sadly, we've had to turn them away because they live in the wrong county. That that's hard for us and even harder for the families. And although we did have some to attend our school our first year, we had to turn them away our second year. So tonight, I ask you vote yes on Rocket Ship Charter School application because our community deserves this opportunity. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our last speaker is Dr. Courtney Cington. >> Right. Good evening. My name is

029Dr. Courtney Coington. I'm a proud resident here in Leber in Rose County for nearly over past three years. It's a growing, vibrant community with new restaurants, new families coming in, and without a doubt, there's a need for a high-quality school. There's no question we need more effective student center options. I know families who are driving across county to find a great school to meet their child's needs. Rocket Ship can be that school right there in their community, not far away. That's where we're proposing a neighborhood school built to built to support uplift the children and families in SWA in Lever. This is my seven year in education and I've been with Rocket Ship for four years. I've joined Rocket Ship as a founding first grade teacher and have had the passion and continued support through

030these years and not just focus on academics but also the holistic child but their behavior and mental health as well. At Rocket Ship, I started a gym group, a mentoring circle for young men who have been flagged through our different behavior screeners for extra support. We've worked we worked on confidence. We've worked on kindness, hygiene, extra whatever things that they needed that was let's say for that child. I feel good about knowing that I have started them off with something like this to carry them on. As a male educator, I know that's rare for young men, especially boys of color, to have a male teacher at elementary level. Most have to wait until middle or high school, and of course, they're probably their coach. It's often It's often not every day they even see a

031male at home as well. I didn't have a male teacher growing up, either until PE and eventually a principal. My parents were amazing, but they worked very long hours to provide for our family. That's a story for many of our students, too. Sometimes you just need a male. You just need a role model to talk to. And this group was just that for them. We met over week. We met week after week, breakfast over breakfast. Sometimes even going out of my pocket to provide these things for my students, and it worked. I've seen real improvements, including fewer behavior incidents. The boys were excited to come to school. That's the kind of work we're doing at Rocket Ship and that's the kind of impact we could bring to Rutherford County if given the chance. I respectfully

032ask for you to vote yes on rocket ship application. Let's give more families access to the kind of school that meets meets them where they are and it lifts them to where they want to go. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That is the end of our public comment time. Next we go to number seven, federal funding updates. So, we discussed our federal funding updates and kind of where we are. Asked Dr. Goian to be here. Um, just to kind of reiterate where we are. We met with principles today and discussed and again, the sky is not falling. We're in good shape compared to everybody else. And thanks to Dr. Goian's leadership, but he's here answering questions and get a quick synopsis again, too. >> Yes, sir. So fortunately, and I know uh you guys

033discussed it a little bit on Tuesday night, but our kind of three largest federal funds, title one, um um well, goodness, CTE, and then IDA, those three areas um seem to be safe at the current moment. So we're looking at two, three, and four. And then within the last couple of weeks, we found out that we did not receive the three-year grant of Mckin Vento. Uh so that's the big concern. But what you guys are going to be voting on here in just a moment is um we've done a really great job under your guidance and your help over the last few years of being able to shift a lot of our federally funded staff members over to uh GP funded. Uh so there's a few more that are left uh that will be able

034to do this. There may be an opportunity the fiscal year at the federal level starts October one. A lot of times we operate of course at July one date, but October one there may be an opportunity to receive some of this funding back. Uh so we'll keep you posted as we find out that information. Um I talked to the principles this morning like Dr. Sullivan mentioned. I know our goal and especially my goal moving forward. We currently have 29 of our 52 schools who are title one eligible, meaning they have more than 40% of their student population qualifying for free or fixed lunch. Uh so my hope in the future is to continue to gain schools. Supposed to find out by tomorrow afternoon uh what our title one allocation is. We have been notified by

035US ed that Tennessee is getting the largest increase of all 50 states uh for title one. So hopefully that will mean good news to Rford County schools. Uh but at the current moment title two, three, and four are frozen. We did find out about McKini Bento and that adds up to about two and a half million for our school district. >> Okay. Can I? >> Yes, Dr. Sullivan. >> Just we discussed this on Tuesday night, but also I think the McKenna Vento was the one that surprised us the most. Um, and I mentioned that the only time it was discussed was during office hours. Uh, can you reiterate that that it was wasn't in commissioner updates kind of caught all districts by surprise? >> Correct. And of course, Miss Johnson serves as our Atlas specialist.

036She's done a fantastic job of creating partnerships within the community. Um, it's a three-year competitive grant. Uh the state department did change the rubric this year. Uh she did attend the office hours that the state provided. Uh but a lot of times there wasn't any information. They were just there to answer questions and if there was no questions asked, it was just dead air. Uh so that was a lot of the information that she got, which was very little. Um but she did write the application. To our knowledge, several school districts did not receive uh this grant again, including us. And then there were several districts across the state that were cut. Uh the only explanation that we got from TDOE is that there was several other districts that applied for this that had not

037previously and I think there was less funding available. >> Okay. >> Yes. Um Mr. Tidwell. >> Uh yeah, I concur. Mr. Johnson just doing a great job over there. Uh the 228,000 in the work session, is that each year or is that >> Yes, sir. I went back the last 11 years. Uh we started out probably about 110,000 but each year we've actually increased. This past year we were 273,000. >> Yeah. >> And there's no way for the next three years there's no way to reapply for that. >> I talked to the assistant commissioner by phone. This was last week early and she said no. There was no appeal. There was no revision that would be allowed. So at the current moment that's that's what we know. >> Can I? >> Yes. Dr. Sullivan. I

038think directors are talking to legislators across the state about this process. So that was not that would be perfectly fine for us to talk to as board members. If you all want to talk to legislators about it, too, that would that'd be completely appropriate. >> And because this is the first time it's been competitive, correct? I I I was shocked that homelessness became competitive. >> I don't know another way to say it. I'm not trying to be >> And my comment to our assistant commissioner was, you know, I thought this funding was available for homeless and displaced students, not on how well you write an application. Um, with all of our other federal funds, we're allowed to do revisions and resubmit. Uh, but with this one being a competitive, the answer was no. >> Yes,

039>> um, I'm just going to restate what I said Tuesday night again because there was like nobody here in the audience. >> Um, Miss Johnson is often the safety net between a lot of our kids and homelessness. And I I know that she was called in on a situation where there was a domestic violence earlier this year and it was in the news and basically both parents were essentially gone. It was a murder suicide and we don't really think about our school handling situations like that. >> So she sees some of the worst of the worst and and but she also gets in there and takes care of business. And I wouldn't normally say let's fund some payroll out of of that's reoccurring, >> but I do believe that this is one one exception to

040the rule. So I move to approve. >> Yeah. And that was a comment that we made to the principles today. You know, so many times in education there's a lot of unfunded mandates and that's one of these issues here. You know, we talked to the principles about we're still going to have homeless and displaced students. We're still under the Mckenni Bento law. So we still have to abide by that. We're just not receiving that funding for this upcoming year. >> I second her motion. She move to approve. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you, Dr. Next, we have number two. >> All right. Next, we have the request to move six title three positions to general purpose school funds from fund 142 due

041to the freeze of title three funds currently impacting districts across the nation. These positions are vital to our operations and academic success. Additional funding is not needed as funds realized from three open ESL teaching positions that are no longer needed will be utilized. These positions are no longer needed. The teaching positions due to academic success experienced by our students and teachers requiring less ESL staff. And we talked about the number of students we have exiting on Tuesday. >> And I want to commend Megan Turnbo who is the head of uh our ELELLL system and all of our many ELLL teachers across the district that have done a sensational job. You don't get thanked enough. So, thank you. Kudos. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say

042I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next, we have instruction and rocket ship. >> So, next we have rocket ship Tennessee number four's application. Dr. McCann, are you here? I think Mr. Reed, you probably have the resolutions as well because these have to be voted on by resolution. And if you have questions, Dr. McCann's here as well. you you had the presentation at the work session on Tuesday. So, you got two um charter school applications before you tonight. You do have to vote by resolution whether you want to approve them or not. If you approve them, you simply we vote to approve the application. If you do deny the application, you have to state the reasons for the denial. You can't say we we vote to deny this based on the um conclusions of

043the committee report. if you choose to do that. If there's other reasons that you want to base the denial on, you would need to state those um in your motion tonight. >> Any comments or questions? Okay, I'll entertain a motion. >> Miss Maxwell did. >> Yeah, I have a comment. Um, so unfortunately I was not able to be at the work session this Tuesday, so I didn't get to ask some my questions, but I did watch and able to gather some information here. There's a few things I wanted to go over specifically with Rocket Ship. I am for school choice. Um, so that's always been a platform thing for me and but I look at each school individually. It's not just a carpet decision. Uh for rocket ship specifically, uh there was a mention they've

044been rejected by Metro Nashville Public Schools. If I'm I may not be 100% correct on this, but from the research that I found so far, the last four years, Metro has not has denied anybody that's applied at the charge. So, I don't think that should be uh part of this denial recommendation. Um I'd also like to point out the funding impact. So, I I definitely have issue with this. brought it up before brought it we've debated it here many times but I just want to bring it up against it was listed as part of the recommendation for denial the the funding impact they're talking about 2 million the first year at 6 million I may be uh I don't know if I had the numbers here for rocket ship I think that was for novice

045but I just like to point out the same needs context which is this is the mountain given for students that are educated Rutherford County schools would not be educating these students nor having to pay for extra facilities to hold these students that means No new school costs, overcapacity classrooms are not continuing to fill up. Districtwide reason was something we just did to address that. So clearly it's a continuing issue. Uh and one can't argue that growth doesn't pay for itself and then portray funding stu funding for students. We are not educating as a funding loss. We have debated this many times about the funding stuff. So I won't go into too much more on that. But I do want to point out some of the other positives for Rocket Ship specifically, which is uh this

046these things were mentioned as well. Their authorizers had great things to say about them uh and said they were one of the better charter schools. Uh they have a great finance history. They have no debt. They have cash on hand. And at the end of year five, and I'm quoting directly from the work session, they'd have 30 days of operating funds at the end of year five. Um I think that's that's pretty good. Uh I I'm looking at a when I'm looking at charter schools specifically for me. So you hear my opinion. When I'm looking at charter schools, I'm looking at readiness and whether there is a demand there and how that fits in with the growth that we're having here. So I I do think that there are individuals that will fill up um

047the Rocket Ship School. Uh, as far as their academics, I know that was mentioned as well, but Rocket Ship Dream achieved stronger results than most of the RCS elementary schools in the Simrna Lever area, serving a larger population of high need students. Rockship Dream outperformed six of 10 Rutherford County elementary schools in the Simrna Lever area. So, I guess my point here is we have to put everything in context. And for me, I feel like, you know, while no school is perfect and while they didn't pass every single thing, I I'm not sure that every school or that we have would pass everything on if they had to go through a charter application. Um, there's no perfect school. Are they ready? I think that they financially are probably the most ready of the ones that

048we have had. Their academic record is is pretty solid. And so for that I make a recommendation that we do approve rocket ship. >> Miss Max Bart. Yes, Mr. Salis. >> Uh I think that um this was a hard decision with two charter schools all at once. Um I Rocka ship I went I visited Rockashit is a beautiful school. I do think that they have something special with their parents and the and the dynamics. Um I think they will provide something unique. But I also have to consider that I was part of the community as well. And the committee really took this very seriously and was very very thorough and they had a robust conversation. They had positive things to say, but but unfortunately the the committee came to the conclusion to not recommend and

049considering how all of this works once we become the authorizer uh whatever it's on the uh the the application is what becomes part of our contract. And right now I believe there's just a couple things that need to be addressed and be brought back before the committee to review because there are some discrepancies which within the instruction of RCS and um and and with with RCS. I think that again I am for parental choice. I believe parents should have the decision to make what's best for their child in terms of education, but I also understand that we only have one ch because of the experience that we're having. And we're getting ready to have to make some waiverss and make change in in and make changes with another uh charter school. And we're see I

050know that not a single charter school or traditional school or um or um a private school will ever be perfect. I do agree that on a financial standpoint they will be the best to have a better footing for it. But because of those discrepancies between RCS and Rocket Ship, I feel that it behooves us to allow Rocket Ship now that they see what the differences are to um make those changes and then and elaborate on on those. Mr. Bowen. >> Yes, ma'am. Um you know, my responsibility I was elected to support the Rley County Schools. um irregardless of the finances and the dog at pony show and all the thing that I've got to support our the committee Dr. McCann and uh the committee and what they did and you know we have high performing

051schools here in North County. I cannot in good faith and I don't think it's fair to other schools to bring in schools that don't perform at the level um that we have. I think it's unfair that uh I just I I can't in good conscience approve any school. That's not going to uh not equal to what we have already. And I'm not going to bring any in that I think may uh the track record could bring us down. And uh the committee was so thorough and very thorough and and you know when they can't recommend there were reasons for that. And again, if we're not going to support that and we're not going to support our committee, then we're wasting their time. And I've just got an obligation to our schools to I'm not going

052to prove anybody that's not equal to or greater than what we have already. >> Anyone else like to comment? >> Okay. The motion. >> Yes. M >> I'd like to make one last comment. If you think, just to put this in the back of your mind as well, if you think that this is going to get approved at the state level, so irregardless of your your everyone's feelings about charters in general, if you think it will get approved at the state level, then they will still be in our backyard. They will still be in our county except we will have no partnership with them. So, that's what we had with one of the chart schools uh that's already been approved. That has not been a great relationship. It would be better if that's just another

053point. If you think they're going to get approved at the state level, then having a partnership with them is certainly more beneficial than not. >> Yes, Mr. B. >> Uh, I agree with what Mr. D said, except the fact that if we approve them, it's on us. If the state approves them, it's on them. And I just I I can't get faith to be responsible for a school that I just don't feel like is going to support and be be as effective as what we have now. I think it'd be unfair to our schools. >> Okay, Miss Maxwell. Yes, Mr. Ros. >> Okay. I just want to clarify that what I'm saying is not because I'm thinking they're going to go straight to the state and they're going to get approved. I do believe they

054will make a great partner. I do believe that they provide something very unique to the county that will serve our students. my the reasons where I'm coming from is just the discrepancies that there are in the application and because of the experience that we've had with the other two charter schools and we're h and we're getting ready to have to make some exceptions with one of the charter schools based upon what was on the application and because of that as an authorizer I want to um give them opportunity to make those changes so that our CS understands what their intent is because the the question was that the intent was not understood and I want to be a good partner and honor the committee that represented many years of uh of expertise and knowledge but

055again I believe this school will make a great addition to Rutherford County schools. Okay, any other comments? We have a motion on the floor. >> Yes, I've got one. I got Mr. Well, I'm sorry. Uh the because I me being you, I really don't have my arms around charter schools. Can and I don't know if this comes from Dr. Sullivan or or Dr. K, either one. But what Okay, we authorize it or the state authorizes it. What what happens? Where where's the difference there? I think there's a couple. First is funding. Although all funding now is going to go straight from the state to the the charter schools, but that's going to be different. We haven't seen that in actuality yet, but the state law changed, >> but that did change this year. So, they

056get direct funding, not >> state funding, not local. And so, our finance department is still going to be involved in that. Um, the other aspect of it is performance. Um, just as a director, it's extremely difficult for our district and me, I'm responsible for our performance to have no oversight. yet I'm that's on our spit report card. Of course, that's something that's up to the board. I respect the board's decision, but that is that's a unique part that if it's approved by the charter commission, it is the charter commission's its own district. If our board approves it, then it is listed under Rutherford County Schools performance. >> So, their test scores would be included in ours, but if the state sanctions it, >> correct? They're on the state then. So, there's the difference. >> Yeah.

057>> Okay. But because there's All right, let me ask this question then. And I don't wish anybody bad luck, so don't y'all read anything into my comments, but let's say either, you know, funding doesn't play out. Somebody embezzled some money or whatever. I don't know. I don't mean to talk bad about somebody, but four years from now, you know, these kids have got to find a home. Their test scores come back and and are reflective of us. Probably >> if we're the authorizer, they always are under the county. If if if but if those schools close in four years, 5 years, >> students will come back. Hopefully, >> the the students will come back. Will their test scores come back? >> The test scores will follow the student the >> That's what I was trying

058to get back to. Okay. Thank y'all. >> Okay. Anyone else? We have a motion on the floor recommend to approve rocket ship application. Could we do a roll call vote, please? >> Mrs. Rosales? No, >> Mr. Vaughn. >> No, >> Mr. Tidwell. >> Yes, >> Miss Sharp. >> Yes, >> Mr. Vault. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Derby. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Maxwell. >> No, >> it's split. >> Where's Mita? >> So, Yeah. Where did Mr. Reed go? >> Yeah. Mr. Reed, >> do we need to uh >> They did not pass. I mean, did not pass. If someone wants to make a motion to deny, you you can make a motion to deny, but you have to state the reasons why you deny, which could be the committee report or some other reason that the board

059believes that the application should not be approved. You do have to get majority vote to take action one way or the other. >> Anybody want to make a motion? I make the motion to deny the rocket ship based on the committee's report to give time for rocket ship to make changes. Do I have a second? If they want to apply again, they can. They like to choose to do so. >> So then, so then the question I've got is that if we deny it, they can still appeal to the state, right? >> They could or they can um submit to us again as well. from >> Do I have a second? >> You'd have to wait till next year. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> So, we have a motion on the

060floor >> to deny >> this. >> Could we have a roll call vote, please? >> Motion is to deny. >> Miss Sharp, >> no. >> Mr. VA? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rosales? >> Yes. Mr. Vaughn, >> yes. >> Mr. Tidwell, >> no. >> Mrs. Derby, >> no. >> Mrs. Maxwell, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Next up, we have Novas Smart Academy. Someone like to make a motion, please. Miss Maxwell. >> Yes. Okay. So, um again, I was on this committee as well. Um again, the committee went through very thorough. Um again, they said positive things about it, the both schools really, but I think the major concern uh with this one outside of the recommendations was just the funding. But Dr. Sanger has said that they will do whatever possible to get

061the funding of what they need to for the startup cost. Um the unique position that they're in is that they're going to be a K through eight. So that's a little that's different. Um and so for that I'm going to move to approve the school. >> Second. >> Thank you. Miss Shark motion >> to approve the school to approve the charter application. Do we have any more comments or questions regarding this? Do we have a motion to approve Nova Smart Academy? >> Miss Maxwell, >> Mr. Tidwell. >> Uh M Mr. McCann or Dr. McCann, Dr. Svin know who this is for, but why did the state deny them last year? >> Dr. McCann probably be the best person to answer that one. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. McCann. the state uh denied their

062their appeal last year for a couple of reasons. Number one, were were thin financial margins. Um and number two, they felt it was a um a great deal of responsibility to place on a relative few number of people um to start up the school. And I we'll have to say that that that they've made improvements in both areas this year when they came back. >> Question. >> Yes. >> What was the committee's recommendation last year? It was we we recommended they be approved but the board denied them due to financial impact which which the state uh charter commission did not agree with. >> Can Yes. >> Also want to point out there's a different committee every single year. So it would not be abnormal for a different committee to find >> different eyeballs different different

063thoughts. >> Any other comments or questions? >> Yes Mr. Tidville. You know, as I was looking at the budget for this one, it says because they lost the new school venture fund grant, which how much was that? >> It was $250,000 in their initial year zero budget line. >> What does that leave them at the end of the first year? >> I don't remember the figure off the top of my head, but their their um facilities renovation budget, they increased $850,000 before the loss of that, which would have brought it down to um 550. But whereas before, I think their initial application, if I remember correctly, it was only like 500,000 and they bumped it up to 850. But now they've lost that new school venture fund, but it's still a little higher than what

064it was initially. >> But again, like like Miss Rosales said, they that Dr. Sager's committed to to raising the funds to doing whatever necessary to do that. >> Yes, Mr. Vaughn. again this the committee did a very thorough job and uh you know if we can't support the committee I don't know why we're putting them through all this work I mean it uh the criteria for being approved uh is pretty strengthened it's very thorough and it's uh I think to be only fair to our existing schools these people you They they just didn't, for lack of a better word, didn't make the cut because this criteria that we gathered was uh formulated by people outside of us and they just didn't didn't qualify. And you know, they can it show the mayors that need to

065improve on and if they do that, you know, they can come back at a later date and reapply. But as of right now, the the committee didn't approve them and I I have to support our committee. >> Yes, Miss Sharp. Madam Chair, so um both of these schools are in my area. Um and it's not a secret that we're overcrowded on the north end. It's not a secret. There's 11 plus thousand permits that have been pulled from Waldron Road to Sam Ridley and they're filling in those houses uh every day. Um when we authorize a charter school under Rutherford County Schools, we do not have to pay to build that building. Y'all know we're paying $160 million to build a building. We cannot tax our seniors and our residents of this county enough to build

066the schools that we need. We have two companies and other companies that have come in here, businesses, whatever you want to call them. They come in here and put skin in the game. They're either buying the building or they're leasing the building. And that's something that we as taxpayers don't have to do. It just makes financial sense for our county to support something like this. Now, are those students going to come back to our school after the fifth or sixth grade if they're in that grade band that they haven't risen to the level of the students? Yes. And they're all those students that are going to these schools, they're taxpayers as well. The parents should have the choice to do this. And we should look at this as a fiscal spons responsibility and not have

067to pay to build $160 million school or build all the annexes. y'all, the the rush is coming. I mean, our numbers have slowed slightly, but we're going to be in trouble. The only school that's on the north end that is not overcrowded, that doesn't have uh portables outside lined up up and down the driveway is Cedar Grove. And that's it's coming. So, that's one of the this is my area and this is one of the reasons that I've been supportive of the charter schools coming in here. So there's more things to think about other than um we can't support them because it's not a Rutherford County school. If if we approve then it is a Rutherford County school. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mr. V. >> You know the thing

068about it is it's more than finances. Uh I think a parent be willing to pay taxes if the kid got a good education. These kids go to these schools with and being taught by non-certified teachers, which is going to be the case in most of them. It be tolerant waiverss. And those kids aren't educated. They come back to our school system. Where are they going to be? They're going to be struggling and behind. And you know, our job is to prepare them for the workforce in Rutherford County. And we've got to give them a good education. And again the the criteria that the committee used uh evaluated their performance based on what what they've done and what they projected to do. And again that you know I'm just looking at it from the education of

069the kids. I'm not I'm not looking at it from the from the finances part of it. If that's the case, we'll just put up circumstance around every community and teach them that way. And uh so I don't think finances is I think parents would rather have their kids educated is to not pay a little more taxes. >> Okay. Yes, Mr. Darby. >> I think we have to be cognizant that education looks different for different families and among students. I myself know a few families who have gone to some of our new charter schools who have had a phenomenal experience. Not all students thrive in the size schools that we tend to have partially because of our growth. Some of them need that smaller environment. Um so I don't I don't think it's fair to get

070out here and blast them and say because their charters at the education level isn't the same. I think that remains to be seen as they grow. Um, I know my idea of what I think would work for my kids is going to be different from someone else's idea of what's going to work for their children. And it's my job to try to be open to what our community wants, not just what I want for my own kids. So, I have approved charter schools that that go about education in a way that I don't think would fit my kids, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work for someone else's child. Um, with that being said, I do have to say, um, I think both of the charters have done a good job of responding to what

071our committees asked them to. I think it kind of proves a little bit of a point that last year the committee approved novice and this year they're denying them even though they made improvements on the application. So, that that right there shows you how subjective it can be depending on who's looking at it. Um, I think with our overriding and to Miss Sharp's point, financially it it is a good way to relieve some of the overcrowding in some of our schools. It is a good way to provide a different style of education for those students that are needing that. Um, so I'm in favor of this motion. >> Okay. Just a reminder, 80% of the people that were uh opposed charter schools. So, >> okay, >> just a reminder in case everybody's you wondering about

072getting it reelected. >> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> I would just like to state that those surveys were like 600 people out of a county of over 50,000 students. It was a very small portion of people that even responded to that survey, which is part of the problem, quite honestly, that we as elected officials deal with. We don't hear from enough of our community about what they're looking for and what they want. So, please tell your friends and neighbors to start communicating with their elected officials. >> Good point. Good point. So, do we have a motion? >> Yeah. Uh, Dr. McCain, I got another question. Sorry. Uh you had mentioned I found that found the figures from the other night. You said that'd be uh in the red $45,000 the first year. 40 that's that's

073what was said. >> That's if they don't increase their funding after the loss of that new school's ventures fund. >> Okay. Um do you feel like they are in a better financial position than they were the prior year? Then >> I do because they've increased their initial year's enrollment. they they've doubled the number of kids basically that they're going to start with and that was that was a big part of the reason why I think they got denied by the state last year because their very small number um of students to start with was not going to provide a a tremendous amount of funding. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Back and it basically just doubled their their enrollment projections. >> Yeah, I remember you mentioned that would be a little bit of a hesitation there for

074the amount of students. Okay, that's that's information I need. Uh my other question is for uh Miss Rosales. So you had denied rocket ship because you had said you had sat on the committee and you had said that you you know you really invested it. They really took their time. I believe they did the same amount of time work with novice and they recommended denial. I'm just wondering what the difference in between the two. >> Sure. Uh so there's some differences in the rocket ship obligation with what RCS says and what rocket ship says rebuttled or or whatever you want to call it. So, we all got an email recently about a fact sheet that was rebuttling all of the comments that were made in the application, including um comments that Dr. McCann has said.

075And I I I really appreciate Rockship bringing that to our attention and trying to explain their intent. However, that information was not provided in the application itself. So, when the committee is reviewing information um that can only be reviewed by what's in the application. So, when there's quite a bit of discrepancies like that, I believe it behooves us to allow Rocket Ship and in good faith because I I do support your school. I think this school will be a great addition to our county, but it behooves us to allow them to see to allow um Rutherford County committee to read those comments and to weigh it in and if they come back as denial, but then that's up to us to um figure out. But we allow Rocket Ship to better give explanations of why

076their model is a little bit different. Um so that in the event something were to go arry, Rutherford County Schools are the ones who are going to be um held responsible for that, if there's a waiver for whatever reason, we will understand what all these implications are. That's the reason behind >> why' you why'd you support the committee on one one decision not the other >> well Mr. on uh as elected board member, I ran on parental school choice to allow parents to make a decision. I have not deviated from that. And like other board members are saying, this is based on a casebycase application and every school is different. I denied novice last time because of concerns of of um financial reasons, but then the state said that that that that wasn't why they

077denied it. It was totally different. But then novice came back to us and then made changes to the application. Um really the ma the biggest hurdle that the committee had was the financing on the start cost. If we approve um the school to be allowed in our county, it'll be up to them to figure the startup cost. We're a capital system and they're able to um it's a free market and figure that out. And I can't I'm not holding Nova's hand when it comes to the startup costs. So, I hope I'd explain that. And um that's why >> committee denied. >> I'm sorry. The committee approved novice last year, >> not this year. >> But they did not this year because again because of the starter cost. >> Yeah. >> But that was largely largely

078the main reason why they were hesitant about approving that. >> I don't say why you supported it one and not the other. That's what I'm >> Madam Chair, I call the question. Yes, Mr. Yes. Let's in discussion. We have a motion on the floor. Okay. Can we have a roll call, please? And then would you repeat the motion is to recommend Novas Smart Academy? >> Yes. >> All right. Mrs. Darby, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rosales, >> yes. >> Mr. Vault, >> yes. >> Mr. Vaughn, >> no. >> Mr. Tidwell. >> For financial reasons, no. >> Miss Sharp? Yes. and Mrs. Maxwell. >> No. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Thank you. Next, we have number three, curriculum and instruction CTE department. >> Next, you have curriculum instruction CTE department likes to allocate approximately 9,000 of the

079ISM grant funds for 2526 to support OSHA trainers for our high school CT students. The purpose of this in-house OSHA trainers is to eliminate barriers for students obtaining OSHA TDOE approved industry certifications. The OSHA trainers will be responsible for completing the OSHA train the trainer course set for July 2025. You'll see each participant receives a $500 stipen and we are recommending approval. >> Any comments or questions? >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next number four. >> This is the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation book delivery and caregiver engagement programs. And so we discussed this on Tuesday night. This requested item is to support implementation that allows RCS to share student names, grade levels, home addresses, media specialist names, and appropriate

080teacher names with GE GLF. >> Any comments or questions? I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you, Miss Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, >> this is the Carl D. Perkins basic grant. As Dr. Goi had mentioned, this was one that is not frozen currently. The Carl D the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2018, known as Perkins 5, is presented for approval for the funding period of July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. The grant is $754,876.90 and it provides funding for program improvement, equipment, travel, staff development for career, technical education teachers. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you. Bond. Thank you, Mr. Bond. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next is the reserve grant.

081This is competitive portion. Carl D. Perkins reserve grant is presented for approval for the funding period of July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. This competitive grant is 50,000 and the reserve grant will provide funding for the welding booth training simulator for the agricultural mechanic CTE program study at Riverdale High School. >> Move for approval. Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. Thank you, Mr. Vaugh. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next is special education. We have a couple job description updates. Special education boards requesting an updated job description for speech language pathologist position. Provide more clarity to the job description. Proposed job description does not contain a change in pay scale or days in the contract. >> I entertain a motion. Move to approve. >> Thank you, M.

082Thank Darby rather. I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. Vault. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion passes. Next, >> special education department is requesting an update job description for the general education student service specialist position to provide more clarity to the job description. Again, this proposed job description does not contain a change in pay scale or days in contract. >> Entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Bond. Thank you, M. Derby. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Moving to human resources. RCS athletics and coordinated school health are partnered with Perry weather to monitor weather conditions in the district and make sure we stay compliant with state safety guidelines. Perry weather's on-site stations provide precise lightning, precipitation, wind, and air quality data, updating

083every five minutes in the mobile app and the dashboard. Recommended motions to approve. >> So move. >> Thank you, Mr. B. Is there a cost with this? >> There is. Um, it was in our budget last year. It's over $100,000 because of the installation of the weather stations at each site. >> Okay. Uh, Mr. Vot made a motion to I didn't put a second. Oh, thank you, Mr. Font. >> All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Motion passes. Next. Legal. >> First, we have 2526 approved fees per policy 6.709 prior to the beginning of each school year. The board upon the recommendation of principles and director of school shall approve all student fees for the upcoming school year. Additional fees may be approved during the year as presented. Recommended motion is to approve as

084presented. >> Entertain a motion. >> So move. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Font. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. >> And I want to point out just real quick on that one. The big change was if a fan is or a student, parent, somebody is ejected by TWSSAA, then the fine will be assessed to them and not to the school. >> So that is good. >> Make sure people understand that behavior. If an official objects you then that fine gets levied to the school and we in turn are going to levy that to the student and to the parent. >> That's excellent. >> Could you repeat that? We couldn't hear you then. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. If a uh someone is ejected by an official

085with TWSAA and that fine will is levied to the school in turn, the school is going to then levy that to the parent or to the student that's ejected. >> If a school's if a coach is ejected, is it on the coach? >> Yes, it is. >> All right. Next, we have records clerk job description. Legal department's requesting the approval of a new job description for the 2526 school year. New position will assist the legal department with managing and fulfilling student staff and administrative records requests. >> So move. >> Thank you, Mr. B. Thank you, Mr. Title. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next is campus school agreement. MTSU has renewed the agreement between RCS and MTSU regarding campus school. This agreement will be in effect for 5

086years. >> Entertain a motion. >> So move. >> Thank you, Mr. Va. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaugh. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Next we have policy adoption first and final reading. And so we have two requests of policies that we would like to go ahead and read on first reading and pass tonight. So you will see on the back page of that um the recommended approvals of two motions. First the board would is being asked to entertain to suspend board policy 1.600 to specifically wave the two readings requirement for the above policies presented and if that passes we'll come back and discuss the two. >> Okay. >> So moved. >> Second. Thank you. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Okay.

087>> All right. First, we have policy 3.400, student transportation management. This revises language for awarding and renewing contracts and updates language consistent with the current contract. >> Move for approval. Yes. Second. >> Thank you. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. We need discussion. >> First, Miss Sharp and then Miss Darby. >> Um, okay. So, I had several people email about on page 607, line 33, um the 10 contracts. Um, I do believe we we might be cutting our nose off the spider face because I know we've grandfathered some in, but um I think this needs to be at least 20 or more or no limit on the contracts because we we I mean we could end up like Davidson County and some of the other surrounding counties that have li limits on their contracts and they have

088doubledigit bus routes that are not being filled. Madam Chair, my question pertains to that if Miss Sharp would allow me to ask Mr. Reed. >> Sure. >> Um I guess my question on this is typically when we go into policy ex, you know, for the board to set policy and then for us to have procedures by the director of schools. My biggest question on this is why why is this not part of the actual contract? It I'm just going to be honest. It doesn't feel good to me that we spent all this time on a contract and went back and forth and did all of this stuff, agreed on a contract, and now we're sitting at the policy table putting something in place that to me feels like it should have been part of the

089discussion in contract with our contractors. >> Yeah. >> You speak to to like whether this should really be >> in that contract's been negotiated. So, we've got contracts signed with contractors, >> correct? this was not part of it and so now we're coming to the table after it was agreed upon. >> I think it's from a school system standpoint they're looking for a mechanism to control the award of of how bus routes are awarded to deal with kind of concerns that they have with respect to high of a concentration of buses in the hands of um one or a handful of contractors. So from a system level, I think that's what's driving the policy that they've been requesting this the board to adopt. Now u I heard the statement about 20 buses. You know this

090this this just came up a policy committee meeting this week. So it's relatively new. I do want to point out the language here that's in that's here is a little bit different than what we talked about on Monday um because it started out to be a limitation um in the policy to no more than 20 contracts what the initial draft was there was discussion in the policy committee it got reduced to maybe a discussion of maybe 10 routes 10 count contracts um and the grandfathering came up because we do have people who have more than 10 routes >> because it It would be against the contract at this point. Correct. >> Well, what the language that I have plugged in here is for contractors and so if you have a current contract and you have

091>> No, I know about the language here, but part of the reason we changed this language was because it would be in violation of their contract. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, I'm just going to talk to the board. I think that doing this now is a mistake. I think it makes the board look like we negotiated a contract and now after the fact we're trying to change something. If this is something that the board and transportation want to do, then this should something that should be talked about when the contract comes up for negotiation in the next round. Personally, I did speak with transportation as well. I think it would be different if we had more routes than we had drivers because then you are running into the issue of maybe some monopolizing or getting

092more than others. To my knowledge, we're not in that space and and I would recommend that this be stricken and it can be addressed when the contract is brought back up for renewal. I think it's I think it's really misleading. I don't think it makes us look good to negot spend all that time negotiating contract and then come back with something like this. >> Mr. contract is not up until for more four more years. Right. >> Correct. I mean the way this I just I do want the board to know what this says. So, let me read this section because this was discussed just Monday night a policy and there's been so it's a pretty recent development but what this says now in this draft that you have so and this can be changed as

093the board decides if you decide to change it or propose something different or not do it altogether. So, if you don't want to do this provision, we don't have to have that provision in this policy. But what this says is no contractor shall have more than 10 contracts during any school year unless specifically approved by the board when unfilled routes exist. Any contractors holding more than 10 routes shall be grandfathered and be allowed to continue their routes through the 2028 29 school year. That's the current contract we have. No contractor more than 10 routes shall be eligible for new routes unless expressly approved by the board. For purposes of determining the number of routes assigned to a contractor, any partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other entities which have any common principal owners shall be

094considered a single contractor. So that is there to basically say if you're a contractor you can't form XYZ corporation 1, XYZ corporation 2, XYZ corporation 3 and say those are all three different entities and are entitled to 50 contracts. So the spirit of this is to support the small business owner >> and to support people or kind of familyowned buses. So we I think the purpose of this is to support that because that's been the backbone of our transportation department for decades and I think to the extent we can allow that to continue and foster that from a system level that's something the system wants to do. So um so this and whether it be 10 contracts or 20 contracts is up for the board to debate and determine. But just so you know what

095language is in here um is currently is you can't have any more than 10 contracts. But that really doesn't kick in until the next contract term the way this thing reads because for the existing contract term whatever contracts have been signed have been signed already and if someone has 12 routes or 15 routes or whatever they have that's what they have because that those contracts have already been approved. That's intent of the policy committee the other night was that. >> So that's what this says. What the board wants to do with it, it's up to the board to decide whether you want limited to 10, 20 or not have this in here altogether. You don't have to have that section in this. >> I'll get back. I will I do want to make sure Mr.

096Lee can voice what he needs to have done for this board tonight because he has five I think he thinks he'll have five unfilled routes that he's going to have to be able to do something about. So that's the kind of one of the pressing things to get this policy done tonight for Mr. Lee, could you address that? In the past, there was a six route limit prior to our last contract. That however many it was was part of policy. The policy was created as a mechanism on how we do business. The contract is the contract and it's been this way. This policy and the contract have always been there. The we have never had a problem with our existing contractors taking the routes. The problem with the current policy is if you go to

097page four of seven, the only way a new contract can be issued is you have to drive for Rutherford County for two years. So if you're a contractor in metro or wherever and we do not have enough contractors to cover our routes, we have no mechanism to allow us to bring in an outside contractor. That has not driven for us. That's what started this process is a way to allow a contractor or someone who wants to become a contractor that's driven in another county an opportunity to get in now. And I think we discussed all the how we got there and all that kind of stuff. the limitation on the numbers. We currently, and I sent this to you all earlier, we currently have four contractors that have more than 10. That's it. Everybody, the

098vast majority have one. The others have two, three, four. So whether it's 10 or 15 is not going to affect 95% of our contractors. It's only going to affect a few. So that number for me, I have a personal opinion, but whatever it is is what y'all decide. >> I'll make a motion. >> No, the the problem is if if we don't do something and these five routes continue to sit there, I have no mechanism to fill them if our people don't want. Can I >> Okay. Yes. Miss Sharp was first and then Miss Darby. >> Well, but this on page six, line 33 to 39, that doesn't even kick in until this current contract is up. Doesn't have anything to do with you filling out this week. >> And I told Mr. Reid prior

099to the meeting, that doesn't work for me. It needs to be now. This language needs to be from 2526 through the 29 contract. And I don't know that it needs >> any time frame in it. If we make it part of the policy, you just take the time frame out and it goes >> in effect in effect and it goes through the next contract and the next contract until we decide that somebody decides they want to change it. >> I'll go back to my original point. I'm 61 years old. We just lost three or four people today. famous people th those us bus drivers the bus drivers we're not getting any younger and we cannot limit ourselves on this is going to cut our nose off to spider face >> and then I've got Mr.

100Va and then I've got Mr. Vaugh I've got you >> I guess I guess I'm not really even understanding what's going on right now because Mr. Lee is saying he can't have it the way it's written. He needs it to take effect now. My understanding is if if we tried to make this take effect now, it would be in breach of contract. Is that not correct? >> If we have signed contracts with people who have more than 10 buses, we're bound to those contracts for the next four years. So for the routes that we have signed, if there are new routes, I don't think the new routes are really effective in the language we have here and they are controlled by the other language in this policy there. So but for the contracts that have

101already been signed, they've been signed. They're in place for four years. And if someone has more than 10 buses under those contracts, there's no way you can you can't undo that without breaching contract. >> So I see what you're saying. I too am in fa I I don't know that any of the people that drive for us would really be considered not a small business. Um to my knowledge I think they're all or at least close to all Rutherford County residents. Um I think we can probably address by the way we award routes making sure that our smaller contractors are getting that route first. Almost like you go through, let's just say we have 200 contractors. You go through and give everybody a route and then you go back and the people with two buses

102then get another one and then the people with three then get another one because not everybody wants to own eight buses. Some people do and I don't know why we care who does and who doesn't. We can control how we award them. Making sure that the smaller people are taken care of first. I think that limiting how many buses someone has when we're in a position where we have more routes than drivers makes absolutely no sense to me at all. Because that's like saying, "Well, we still need more people to run routes, but we're not going to use you because for some reason 10 is the magic number and you have 10 buses. So now we can't give you you have 12 buses. Now we can't give you the routes we need covered because you

103got 10." Like I if there's no one else to drive it, who cares? I I'm having trouble reconciling it. I think I think this should be stricken and it can be addressed when the contract renews next year and we can give whoever wants the cont the next contract comes up in four years. We can give whatever contractors want the routes the routes. If we need to address the driving two years for Rutherford County, I'm fine addressing that if it needs to be addressed. I don't know if that's part of the contract and if that's going to be an issue as well. >> Do you know, Mr. Reid? >> I'm sorry. What was the question? >> The piece that Mr. Lee is talking about where it says they have to drive for Rutherford County for two

104years before they can be a contractor. >> It's not part of the contract, it's part of policy. >> Okay. So, if we need to affect that in the policy to make life easier, if we need to allow people from other districts to come in, I think we can address that. But I don't think that has anything to do with the number of buses for our contractors. >> Okay, Mr. on >> you know if the I don't know you know we don't we don't put a number on these things you know if husband gets 20 wife gets 20 Bubba gets 20 and you know before long they got a monopoly and they hold hold us hostage and I want to protect the small business owner who drive for the for the right reasons and I want

105to make I'll make a motion that we approve that just like it was written by the policy committee the Monday night. It was in agreement uh by the entire policy committee and I'll make a motion we we uh we approve it as written and u with 10 contract 10 rounds. >> Second. >> Okay. Now >> motion and a second on the floor. There was one. >> Oh, there was one. >> Mr. V and Mr. Vaughn. >> Yeah, we're good to appreciate. >> I want everybody to understand. >> I'm gonna yield to Caleb down there first. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> I have final thoughts here. >> A couple different things. Uh so when when I was on the the bus committee, the number one accusation that flies is favoritism. So, I understand that. I mean,

106I obviously want to protect the mom and pops, but to make sure that we're taking care of that, I don't know what that would look like other than having something in policy so they're not accused of favoritism because that's that's what I heard all the time when I got when I got the phone on and they're calling me. They're saying, "Oh, well, they're giving them these routes and they're trying it's all buddy buddy and because we're not buddy buddy, they're not giving it to us." So, we got to make sure there's no favoritism involved, which I think is why we should stick to policy. But uh I thought that we added this into the policy changes the other night. If we have open routes, you're at I thought we had language there that Dr. Sultan's

107at discretion to open those routes up to go past the 10 limit. >> It actually comes to the board the way it's written. >> Oh, it comes to the board. But but there's an avenue for that to happen. >> Um but so that's that's my thoughts on that. But the other thing that was ear I brought up the priority list thing and asked for a change on that. Now, it looks like the priority list just got gutted. Um, was I I was thinking we could, you know, work around some of the loopholes that people are trying to cut. Is there a new plan for what that would look like as far as the priority list? You know, we used to have the one, the two, you got dropped for two years, all that stuff >>

108with this this mirror images other counties that do business kind of sort of similar to us. It's it's the responsibility of the transportation department to review and at that point we would probably if there's any discrepancy you know you bring it to the board but but this makes it I don't want to use the term less buddy buddy or less manipulative >> well a certain >> than the priority one priority two priority three >> I can certainly see the less I mean, there wouldn't be a chance for a loophole if they don't have an avenue to work around. I get that. But that favoritism comment that I just made earlier that everybody complains about, that's going to be hot and heavy if there's not something in policy on a priority list. >> Mr. Tedwell, >>

109yeah, >> I I've been in business a long time and you're going to no matter what you do, 70% of the people are not going to like it. >> I I going to complain that somebody else is doing it. I mean it and it's been that way. If you I know you got phone calls, the other people are calling me telling me the same thing. I get emails and calls from this driver's skirting this and this driver's doing that and you don't discipline this one and you don't discipline that one. Every single one of And I'm sorry they're listening tonight and they can get over it. My my whole point is I'm going to follow the contract and the policy and I don't care who you are. Well, I mean, I appreciate that. I would

110just like we have sitting here going, "How do you guarantee that there's no favoritism?" People are human. I You can write every policy in the world. >> Somebody's not going to like it and I don't know how to fix that. >> I'm not Yeah, I'm not saying you can get rid of it completely as an opinion. What I'm saying is that there was a loophole, clear loophole that we discussed and right that was uh taken out completely because there's no more priority list. However, that that's only going to make it seem like there's more favoritism in general. I mean, know it's an opinion, but at least you have a policy to point to when there's a discrepancy. So, I don't know. I don't I don't necessarily like not having a priority list, but that's me.

111So, maybe I'll rethink that. Go ahead. >> What about a lottery? I don't know. I'm just trying to think on the fly here since there's nothing. I agree there probably needs to be something. >> Yeah, I agree. There needs to be something. lottery is is kind of more minimalistic, but it's possible if you let's if you did the lottery system, then once you hit a route, then it just falls out to next person, next person. You can't recycle the lottery system every single time. I mean, that's something >> and we do that now. We we have a computerized thing that everybody like for the uh summer school routes, everybody that applies that is approved, their name gets put in the computer and it's a random draw. >> I'm okay. >> We could do a random

112draw. No different than that, which I'm fine with because the way this is this policy is written, we're asking them to apply in the summer so that we know everybody that wants a route. We just put everybody's name in the computer and then once you've gotten a route till we extend go through everybody gets a route, then you would everybody's name goes back in and you started drawing all over again. >> I like that better. I'm just >> because I mean you get you get a route then your name comes out of the hat because you've gotten a route. The problem becomes they want to pick their route. >> So if you want a route and your name comes up whatever route that is you you're you're taking it. If you pass then I think

113it's just like accepting your name comes out. >> But wouldn't this be just for new routes? Like they're already set. So it'll be new routes. They still have the opportunity in June per the contract, they still have the opportunity to swap. So if you got a route and you drove it for the rest of the year and you decided you didn't like it and you had a buddy on the other end of the county that wants your route and you want his, y'all can swap in June. Yeah. >> But you have to keep that route till the till that school year's over. >> Yeah. And I think >> I'm fine with the random draw if you want to take favoritism out of it. Everybody who applies goes in the hat and we draw. Everybody's got

114an equal opportunity. I'm fine with that. >> And there'll be an all call after that probably. >> Yeah. If some if nobody except >> if you run through all the numbers, >> if somebody's going to get an opportunity, >> right? Everybody's going to get an opportunity. Okay. >> We typically don't let we if you look at that list that you that's in the agenda tonight. There's 20 25 people on it. We typically don't have 25 new routes. >> Yeah. >> We we'll have five to 10. But throughout the year, you have people turn in routes at the end of the year, 20, 25, maybe 30 at the most for a year that either swap, get turned in, or get added. It's not a huge number. >> And that's the way you're saying that our summer

115uh school program works, right? >> Yes, we do. We do a computerized random draw for summer school. We do the same thing for the power hour. You want it, you apply, you get approved, your name gets put in the hat, and we let the computer draw and that's the order they go. >> I think they need to throw horseshoes. >> And I'm f that that's the fairest way it takes it. You if you've applied, you're on the list and we let the computer make the draw. >> Yeah. They still have some say as to whether or not they want the route because they can apply or not apply. >> Yeah. >> I said we mirrored that. I'm okay if you guys >> I'm fine with a complete random draw. Then there is no favoritism. >>

116It can't be. Um, if you guys are okay with an amendment once you get through. >> I think that's completely fair. Gives everybody an equal the same equal opportunity. >> All right. Appreciate that. >> And I'm willing with I think that's a great that's a great way to do it. It works for the other two. >> Sweet. Good. >> Okay. >> Do you want to >> Yeah. And and that's fine. I mean, I would accept that in in the motion that that you make it completely right. >> Can Can I just say this? I I don't usually hear from a lot of the bus drivers, but I had a couple of calls. And the calls I got were, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for addressing this because there has been some unfairness going on."

117So, >> I'm going to I'm going to go down a rabbit hole just a little bit. And I'm fixing to tell y'all I'm fix to tell y'all some things maybe you don't want to hear. >> Well, I'm sorry, Miss Sharp. It's 8:00, but you're going to listen. You don't have to listen. You can get your tail up and go out the door. If you don't want to listen to it, that's fine. But Claire asked me to be the leazison between the bus drivers and and this committee and I have tried to do the best I can. Now most of the time I have spent the last four months is trying to get a reasonable price uh on their pay increase both for mileage and contracts and all that kind of stuff. But in my due

118diligence, just like I would approach a real estate deal, I have discovered a lot of discrepancies. There are a lot of discrepancy. Not by the transportation department. Nothing intentional. I will say that Trey had Wanda do an excellent job over there. Yes, they take a lot of heat. Yes, there's been uh accusations of favoritism. Can I prove it? Can I not prove it? No, I can't. But what I have discovered throughout my due diligence and u studying some of these contracts, studying some of these routes, we've have a we've had some fraud in this county. by some of our contractors. I'm going to state it very specific right now and I have and along with Dr. Sullivan have turned this over to the state controllers's office. There will be an investigation um throughout the following

119this next year with some of our contractors that have falsified records that have cut the system that have done things that they're not supposed to do. They deviated from the contract. Uh they've broken the contract and short of and I hate to use this word steal from the county. Some of them have done that by falsifying these records. That's awful stiff wording right there. And I'm sure there's several of them listening to me right now and there may be two or three of them shaking in their boots and I hope they are and I hope the state controller calls it all out. But it was out of my hands. It was out of Dr. Sullivan's hands not to put Dr. Svin on spot right here, but he and I were both given information about two

120months ago, three months ago now, right in the middle of the NE negotiation, and we had to turn it immediately over to the state. Now, out of that, there are some observations that I have made throughout this. Yes, I will fight for our individual contractors. I think the system we have in place right now works really good, but there is becoming a monopoly in this county. Um, and after the threat was made to this board, to this school district that the buses were going to be parked, it made me pause to think that if you allow one, two, five of these contractors have 30 routes, 40 routes, this whole system shuts down. They've got us over a barrel. Now, I'm all for the small guy. I'm all for the guy that's got two routes, three

121routes, five routes, 10 routes. I think 10 is a reasonable number. And I tell you how I kind of came to that is if you're managing a transportation system for this county and that's essentially what you're doing, the odds are one of your buses is not going to crank, maybe two of them, maybe somebody's going to lay out drunk one night and show up and not show up the next day and you've got to drive. You've got to have a system in place to make these buses run. When you've got 20, 30, 40, it's a big I was fixing to say something ugly, Claire. It's a big big It could be a big big mess. And and we're the ones going to take the heat on it. So, as long as we can work with

122our small independent operators, as long as we can work and and I've pulled my bunch at home and, you know, several others, you know, the the five to 10 is the sweet spot. Uh my good friend James Campbell and I talked about it today. He has a concern that if a route came up that was closer to him than one of his other routes, would he be penalized? And I think that's the reason the provision is in there for the director and the transportation director and the director of schools to bring it to us and ask for a waiver from that. We can wave any of these policies, but there will be more policies, more policy changes coming over the next 2 or 3 years before this next board gets in uh having to deal

123with the next transportation contract. We're going to level the playing field. I I I can assure you that long as I'm your leazison between us and the bus drivers, I'm going to level the playing field. But I beg you, I implore you to leave this at 10 to adopt the policies that Trey and Dr. Sullivan have and the policy committee have come up with. I think they're reasonable. Uh nobody's getting penalized here right now, but I I I felt obligated to tell y'all why this is all coming up right now. And there were and again I'm going this is not the end of it. There will be some more policies come out of it. Y'all heard me state one of them the other night. I feel very strongly that anybody that's got a a CDL

124license, an A or B endorsement on it right now that there's a provision that they can come in and drive for us. I would trust them uh if they want to buy a bus, but I didn't want to spring I didn't want us to get down in the weeds too far with something like that. We'll bring that up in 6 months or before the next school year. I don't know what I left out, Trey, but anyway, that's that's my two cents worth. So I Yes, Caleb, I would take your the lottery system if I'm I'm good with that. I'm good with that. >> Yes, Mr. Tiddle. >> I'd like to make a motion that we adopt the lottery system similar to what we do for the summer school as an as an amendment. >> You

125want to add it to? >> Yeah. Amendment. >> He agrees to add if somebody seconds it. >> Do we have a second? >> Mr. Vault just seconded. So we have a second now. Could you read the entire amendment now? >> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> Can we address Mr. Lee? Do we need to change the two-year thing? >> If you if we stay with all the other things we've struck all of, if you look at page four and five, all of that is gone. >> Okay. So, that's no longer an issue. >> That's gone. >> Okay. Okay. >> Gone. We no longer have an issue. We take in place what's on six >> and it's not back in there. >> It's not back there. No. >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure we didn't

126have to address that. >> What we've done now effectively on page six is we got rid of tier one, tier two, tier three. They make that location in the summer. We approve all those and then make it put into a lottery and that's how we draw. That gets rid of the twoear. The two year goes away too. >> That's fair. >> Okay. Okay. Could you What's the motion? Could you Did you get all that? >> If this is correct. All right. Motion to use a lottery system for new or unfilled bus routes. >> The amendment. >> Sound good? >> That's the amendment. Yes. >> Yes. >> But he was willing to >> to Can we vote for one >> motion? Can we vote for all of it together? >> Okay, we'll vote for the amendment.

127Okay. Okay. Can we do a roll call, please? Oh, no. Go ahead. >> Mr. Va, >> yes. >> Mr. Vaughn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Darby, >> yes. >> Miss Sharp, >> yes. >> Mr. Tidwell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rosales, >> yes. >> Mrs. Maxwell, >> yes. >> Unanimous. >> And now we need to uh the original motion which was I believe M. Mr. Vaughn and then was seconded by Mr. Vaugh. Vice versa. Okay. Vice versa. >> Motion to approve. It's >> been a long night. >> Yes. >> All right. This was motion to adopt with the amendment. >> Do you want a roll call? >> Yes, please. >> Mr. Tidwell, >> I'm sorry. Trey, >> sorry. I want to make sure that line 36 where if the number of buses it goes into effect in

12830 days which is what our contract says they have to be given 30 days >> real quick. >> Yeah. Go ahead Dr. Sullivan. >> The current contracts the way I would understand is the current contracts already signed would be perfectly fine but for any new contracts that are signed with open routes or new routes then this would go into effect. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Now we can start the roll call. Thank you. >> Mr. Tidwell. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rosales. >> Yes. >> Miss Sharp. >> Mr. Vault. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vaughn. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Derby. >> No. >> Mrs. Maxwell. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Thank you all. Let's move to the second one. >> Yes. >> Adds language for the use of personal communication devices for students pursuant to a

129change in state law. We discussed this with principles today. The expectation is that we all follow this and hold students accountable. Um and then we're going to discuss it again tomorrow morning. So they we discussed it in June with them. Discuss it again today. And then they have questions they can ask and then it comes back again tomorrow. Mo, do we have a >> Thank you. Second. Yep. I didn't think we had a motion on the floor. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> All right, moving to engineering. First, we have Oakland Middle School's concrete pad request. And you'll see this is a donation from Smyrna Ready Mix. Um, construction is reviewed and has no objections for approval. >> Thank you, Mr. Bond. Thank you, Mr. Tidle. >> All

130in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes. All >> right. Second, we have Daniel McKe cafeteria mural request. Um, principal Nicole Sturbins requesting to allow the experience church to paint a mural on the cafeteria. You'll see it's being anticipated cost of 2075 and it's being donated by the experience church. >> Move for approval. >> Second, >> everybody. >> I think we had three of them. Okay. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next is Popler Hill Elementary and CUD cost reimbursement agreement. And you'll see this is work from CUD that they will then reimburse Rutherford County Schools in the amount of $50,395. >> Move to approve. Thank you, Mr. Darby. Thank you, Mr. Bond. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion passes. >> And then last

131is our energy efficient lighting program. So, of course, you guys are aware we started um with our athletic fields last year. Now, we're moving into our school buildings. You'll see this anticipated cost is 8.4 million roughly. As Mr. Lee talked about, could go up to 134 million over the next couple years. This request though is just for us to be able to move forward and use fund 177 for the $4 million uh currently for this year. That's all that we have in 177. If we get extra funds, we'll come back and adopt or um amend our budget hopefully and tax more of this stuff. >> Move to approve. Second. >> Thank you very much. All in favor say I. Maxwell. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> I'm sorry. >> Sorry, Mr. trying to snag in a

132lot of things. Uh so I heard some discussion around this. This is just to get the ball rolling. The decision on the housing and whether or not we do the housing that is separate from this. >> Yeah. I want to do a little research on that and come back and tell you where we're going to land. But we're going to we've got four million allocated. This gets the ball rolling and I'll come back and give you a recommendation and tell you what we think how many how that affects the numbers. >> Okay. >> Let me make sure. Can we try this again? >> Good. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. >> All right. Couple updated job description. First is a recommended updated job description for the ISA

133accountant. >> Entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Thank you, Mr. Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Hey, question. What about the Mercury? >> Did I miss that one? >> We skipped it. >> The what? >> CUD. We did see you D. >> No, we did. Yeah, that's the one I made a motion to app for Hill. >> No, no. More water and sewer. Is it not on? I'm looking online. Is it not on here tonight? >> It's not. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. I'm looking at the one online. >> Um, the county requested that to be moved to be taken off. >> Sorry. >> Yeah. >> Next. >> All right. Next is an updated job description request for the payroll accounting specialist number

134one. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Shark. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next is an updated job description request for payroll accounting specialist 2. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. VA. On sorry. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. VA. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next, we have a sponsorship request from Dunkin Donuts for $2,000 for six years um so that Smyrna can run on Duncan. I just want to try to say that again. I just >> That is great. >> I got to say it Tuesday. I want to figure out a way to say it again. >> Move to approve. Second. >> There you go. >> Can we

135get Can we get Dunkin' Donuts to bring us some right now? Cuz >> I shouldn't even done. >> We've been here since 3:30. So if >> we done We got to >> I don't know if anybody's close to Domino's or Dunkin' Donuts. >> How about somebody order pizza? >> Yeah. Sonic. We'll take anything. We're not bigger. >> Where is Sonic tonight? Any other night? upgrade says Sonic on Main Street. >> Yeah. Anybody close. We have a motion. We have a second. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> We'll take anything. >> All right. Next, we had just a discussion on our open positions. I don't know if there's any motion or anything needs to be done there. I don't think so. >> Okay. >> Quick financial report. Our teacher checks.

136Um, so we talked about this in April and May. Teachers have traditionally not been paid when they started until September. Now they are going to be paid in August. And so our teachers who were on that pay structure should have received their second check yesterday or today. And so all of our new teachers now will be paid I think it's August 19th or maybe the 20th. I can't remember. It's usually the 20th. I don't remember where that day falls. Um, I want to give a special shout out because that is on the county finance department and our payroll department. And so Karen Lad, Bonnie Cox, Terry Risner, Chrissy Kurthers, of course, Michael Smith, and then Brian Run. That that took a huge lift of getting 3,000 people extra checks. The next part of that is

137our HR department is working on the $2,000 teacher bonuses, stipens from last year's teachers. A reminder, not for new teachers this year, last year's teachers. uh we are adding employee numbers to that spreadsheet and once that is done then payroll will start hand entering all of those um so you're probably looking at August like we've kind of been our target from the beginning but I thank all of them for their work on that so that's our financial >> miss >> yes Mr. teachers having a good August. Uh >> they are good July too. >> Yeah. So once this groundwork is is laid, is it something that we can revisit next year for possibly by monthly? >> Possibly. And so it's of course county controls finance proceed or payroll procedures, but this was the first step

138in that direction. Oh, good. Awesome. So >> okay, >> couple quick director's updates. I want to thank our instruction team and um Marcy Leman who is our professional development specialist. So years ago, we used to spend three $400,000 for our DI conference, what we called a differentiated instruction, and that was great. But I guess in 2018, when I was in curriculum instruction, we started doing it ourselves. And so this year, we had 1,286 teachers go for training the last two days, plus 233 of our own teachers there that were presenters, and the total cost was less than $500. And so good. >> Our our team does a a great job, so they deserve the shout out. Also, we've had principal meetings yesterday and today. Um I do this a lot with him, but he's very

139supportive. So, Dr. Michael Torrance, um Mlo appreciate them giving and Gary went giving us that space the last two days, and I did not expect it, but Dr. Torrance running I mean three sites. He showed up and was a member of our principal meeting today and then came back for the secondary portion with our high school principal. So for a president of a university, college and university to come to our meetings to be with our principles uh says a whole lot. So we really appreciate him. Last thing to discuss is TOA. So we appreciate all of our partnerships we've had with Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. Uh the board has this for them. There's no action that's needed right now. If you need another one down here, so this is no actions needed. Um, but we've had

140a contract with TOA, Ascension St. Thomas, and um, Results Physiootherapy. I know for sure Ascension St. Thomas is not interested in renewing. They don't get enough business um, from us, so they're not interested. TOA has made some changes that the board has here. Uh, there the changes are pretty tough for us to accept. You'll see it's $100,000 less. It goes from a one year to a three-year, but the big caveat for for me as the director was not having free physicals for our students. And so the other portion that our schools struggle with is that in order for them to have any type of sponsorship, there's an exclusivity agreement with TOA. And you will see kind of the twothirds of the way down TOA receives marketing exclusivity as the official provider of sports medicine. But

141and then we can't advertise or promote anything like orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic or MRI where that we definitely understand that for the the money they provide. Uh where we get stuck is that just because a walk-in clinic may be able to do X-rays. We have a difference of opinion about whether or not we can advertise for that. And they to give us this money will not allow us to do those things. And so we are probably going to be moving away is going to be my recommendation from this agreement. So we have already talked to our physician that signs off on all of our nurses and they're willing to sign off on all of our um athletic training standing orders. So just know that that's going. It'll open up some things for our

142schools to get more sponsorships. >> Yes. Because I know of three schools that had that were very upset when they found out that three chiropractors who do not offer the same services that TOA does. It's not even the same thing. We're not allowed to give to these schools and they lost out valuable funding because it was going to violate the current TOA contract. So I agree. I think it's time to >> and we still love our partnership with TOA. This just portion doesn't >> this portion doesn't work for us. Very last thing, transportation. I think we have appreciate the work of all of our contractors, transportation department, all of you all because it has taken a um huge lift to get that going. And so right now we have five open routes, four without insurance,

143but we believe two will have insurance in the next couple days. So that's going to only leave us two other open routes. I know Trey's meeting with that individual contractor um soon or Wanda is. So where we were worried about being, we're we're in good shape. >> Okay. M. >> Anybody else have anything? >> Anybody else? I think you're it. >> Okay. I'm gonna if can you put her picture on the board? I'm going to rise so I can read a little bit easier. Um, I know it's it's a long night, but um, there she is. Okay. So I rise tonight and to honor the the life and the legacy of a beloved catering business owner here in Smyrna, Jane Holmes, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Jane was not only

144a gifted chef, baker, and businesswoman, but also a tireless supporter of youth education in the culinary arts in Ruther County. In her memory, the Holmes family has generously donated many professional-grade items both to Smyrna High School's culinary program and the soon-to-be launched state-of-the-art culinary program at Leverne High School. These contributions reflect Jane's passion for mentoring the next generation of chefs and leaders in the hospitality industry. So, um, they called us and said, "Y'all can come and get whatever you want to." Their business was ran out of the of the home. Nobody knew what the professional steamers were. I called Dr. Hatchet and said, "Come get these steamers." So, including this, and this is not an extensive list, there were chef jackets, aprons, tuxedo shirts. There was an entire room of nothing but linens. So, Smyrna

145got purple linens and Leverne High School got blue and silver or any other color that they wanted for their for events. In addition to supporting culinary education, Jane's love for the arts lives on through a heartfelt donation to Leverne's high school drama department. The family provided bolts of high-quality fabric and professional streamer to help enhance costume design and stage production efforts. Jane Holmes built a thriving catering business known for excellence, hospitality, and heartfelt service. Her warm talent, y'all, I can't get this done, and generosity made her a cherished figure across Middle Tennessee. I originally met Jane when I moved here as an orphan from Memphis at Christ Church and they put me in the kitchen because I'd worked for Craft. She may be gone, but her influence will continue to nourish minds and hearts for

146years to come. A special thank you goes to um some ladies at our schools. Um this effort would not have been possible without the help of several incredible individuals. Our heartfelt thank you goes out to the ladies at both Smurn and Leverne High School who selfishly gave up their part of their summer pray to help prepare spaces and coordinate logistics for these generous donations. So y'all know when when I call I got something good for you. Something good's coming somewhere. Additionally, a huge thank you goes to the LHS girls who came with energy, enthusiasm, working together like a NASCAR pit crew to load, sort, and pack every item with care and speed. Your teamwork and dedication ensure that Jane's legacy would be honored with excellence. Together, we celebrate the lasting impact of a woman who

147believed deeply in the power of this of service and education and love for the community. And last but not least, I would like to make a clarifying statement. When I spoke to Mr. Vault about being 8:00, we have a family that's out in the forer that's been here since 3:30. It was not my concern. I'll be here till four or five o'clock in the morning if y'all needed me to, but don't speak to me like that again. Ever again. Thank you, >> Miss Max. >> Before Oh, >> hold on. Um I'm so sorry, but um I failed at the beginning of our meeting to recognize um someone who has recently passed away and she meant a lot to this community and that is my dear friend Robert P, Commissioner Robert P's wife, Patricia, who just

148so happened to teach when she was at Central Middle School. my my uh oldest son. She was a lovely lady and she will be missed and my condolences go out to the family. >> I was principal there and she was a very special teacher, very respectful. So yeah, >> I'm sorry. Now, Mr. Tidwell, I apologize. >> You took the words out of my mouth. I went to school with u his daughter, their daughter, and I'm sure that I didn't get to meet the wife, but I'm sure it was a reflection. >> Wonderful. and just wanted to keep them in our prayers moving forward. >> She survived the eighth grade trip with those central kids uh to New York and Boston and uh my son still talks about it. But uh kudos to her and >>

149you know when she was when I was principal there, she was always great cuz uh you split your britches, she'd sew them up and home department. So it was great. >> Move to we're adjourned.